City Council/Successor Agency/Public Finance Authority

CITY OF AVENAL “Pistachio Capital of the World®” REGULAR CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/PFA MEETING June 12, 2025, 5:15 P.M. AVENAL THEATER & EVENT CENTER, 233 E. KINGS ST., AVENAL, CA VIA ZOOM VIDEO/WEB CONFERENCING: Web Link: bit.ly/AvenalCouncil or use https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87243440488 Or by calling +1 669 900 6833 and use meeting ID 872 4344 0488 to join. MINUTES CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: by Mayor Preciado at 6:18pm ROLL CALL: Councilmembers: Ricardo Verdugo, David Reynosa, Pablo Hernandez, Mayor Pro Tem, M. Leticia Gamez; Mayor, Alvaro Preciado. ABSENT: None STAFF: López, Bermudez, Davis, Price, Ortiz, Curiel, Rij. LEGAL COUNSEL: Zishan Lokhandwala. CITY CLERK: Government Code Section 54952.3: The members of the City Council/Successor Agency are entitled to receive a total of $450.00 per month because of being elected to the City Council. They receive no other compensation for sitting as a member of Successor Agency. PUBLIC COMMENT/ANNOUNCEMENTS & UNSCHEDULED APPEARANCES: Any person may directly address the Council/Agency at this time on any item on the agenda or on any other items of interest to the public that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council/Successor Agency. State Law prohibits any member of the Council/Agency from commenting or acting on matters not on the agenda. Three (3) minutes are allowed per person. Emily Pierre, Avenal resident, expressed concerns regarding transparency and inquired about the individuals present during the closed session. Frank Lopez, Avenal resident, raised concerns about recent ICE activity and emphasized the importance of supporting the immigrant community. Matthew Tuttle, representative of Assemblywoman Macedo, introduced himself and offered to coordinate mobile office hours to support constituents locally. Anthony Martinez, Avenal resident, expressed satisfaction with the City Council’s work and suggested the installation of speed bumps near Rice Park to reduce speeding in the area. Veronica Aguirre, Avenal resident and environmental policy advocate, reiterated concerns regarding the local landfill. She noted increased city revenue and inquired how those funds are being allocated. Kathryn Benson, bargaining unit representative, stated she looks forward to engaging with the City on upcoming staff negotiations. Public Comment was closed at 6:38PM. Public Comment was re-opened at 7:41 PM. Doug Verboon, Kings County Board Chairman, stated that no further negotiations will take place unless the City initiates contact with Kings County. Kings County Supervisor Richard Valle expressed his respect for the Council’s decision to table Item 9B, noting that the suggestion came from Councilmember Verdugo, and stated that Kings County is open to future negotiations. Dalilah Barajas, Avenal resident, voiced concerns, stating that the City’s actions appear shady and corrupt, and accused the Council of prioritizing its own interests over those of the community. Ted Woelk, Avenal resident, raised concerns regarding policy and procedure during the meeting and urged the Council to consider public input on the Fire Department matter. Elias Cabrera, Avenal resident, emphasized the importance of transparency and stated that residents no longer want the fire services contract to include an exit clause. Teresa Piere, Avenal resident, expressed dissatisfaction with the City Council’s leadership and called for their resignation. David Price, Visalia resident, expressed concern about eliminating a critical service such as fire protection. Francisco Lopez, Avenal resident, commended the Council for tabling the fire services item. Sheila Verdugo, Avenal resident, accused the Council of lacking transparency on the Fire Department issue. Luther Wallis, Avenal resident, expressed gratitude to the Kings County Fire Department for their assistance during a family medical emergency. Kelly Guzman, Avenal resident, stated that changes should not have been made without informing the community and urged the Council to listen to public concerns. Rita Wallis, Avenal resident, expressed her desire to retain Kings County Fire Department services. Rosa Moreno, Avenal resident, noted the spread of misinformation on social media and requested clarification from the City. Jose Arias, Avenal resident, addressed Kings County Supervisor Valle directly, urging him not to incite division within the community and encouraged collaboration between both sides. Matt Tuttle, representative of Assemblywoman Macedo, acknowledged the complexity of the issue and encouraged the Council to listen to the community. Craig Bollinger, Coalinga resident, alleged a Brown Act violation and suggested the matter be reviewed. Supervisor Richard Valle reiterated that he attended the meeting in solidarity with the community and stated that his disagreement with the Council does not negate his support for the public. Mayor Preciado provided clarifications regarding historical fire service costs and Measure A. Amalia Vazquez, Avenal resident, emphasized the need for collaboration between the City and the County on the Volunteer Fire Department issue. Veronica Aguirre, Avenal resident, stated that both the City Council and City Clerk were disrespectful toward the public and should issue an apology. Susana Lopez, Avenal resident, expressed concerns about instability within the Council and reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for continued services from the Kings County Fire Department. Emily Piere, Avenal resident, stressed the need for a confirmed and accessible town hall meeting for public engagement. Alex Ramirez, Avenal resident (via Zoom), asserted that Kings County has not negotiated in good faith with the City and characterized the contract as unfair. Craig Bollinger, Avenal resident, read a statement on behalf of another community member and emphasized the need for greater transparency from Council members. Public Comment was closed at 8:58 PM. CONSENT CALENDAR: All items listed under the consent calendar are routine or for approval only and are enacted by one motion: (Action). A. Consider City of Avenal/Successor Agency’s Approval of Minutes for May 22, 2025. Council Member/Successor Agency Member Reynosa motioned to approve Consent Calendar was seconded by Councilmember/Successor Agency Member Hernandez and motion carried. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Reynosa, Hernandez, Verdugo, Gamez, Preciado. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. MAYOR & COUNCIL MEMBER/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY/ ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION: A. Special Recognitions: RSUSD Family Engagement Center City Manager Antony López, presented a certificate of appreciation to FEC for their unwavering support to the City of Avenal. He also did a special recognition for Jicela Soto on behalf of the AHS Class of 2010. Mayor Preciado extended his congratulations to Ms. Soto on her promotion to Principal for the upcoming academic year. ACTIVITY REPORTS/SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS & COMMITTEE REPORTS: A. Activity Reports: 1. Public Works/Code Enforcement/Animal Control Departments Activity Report: Scott Davis, Public Works Director. Scott Davis, Public Works Director, presented as submitted. Susana Lopez, Avenal Resident via Zoom, asked about repairs to sidewalks and ADA compliance as she suffered from an accident. Scott responded that in our area we have an issue with the soil as it causes sidewalks to lift and asked her to report specific areas to City Hall. Councilmember Reynosa asked about shades update at Avenal Pocket Park. Scott Davis responded that it is still a work in progress. Another resident inquired about adding more lighting to San Joaquin Street. a. City Engineer’s Activity Report: Javier Andrade –A&M Consulting Engineers Javier Andrade, City Engineer, presented as submitted. Mayor Preciado asked about PG&E installation. Javier responded that they would work with PG&E and it should go well. 2. IT Department Activity Report: Humberto Bermudez, IT Director. Humberto Bermudez, IT Director, presented as submitted. 3. Recreation Department Activity Report: Anna Lara, Community Activities Senior Leader. Antony López, City Manager, presented on upcoming events on behalf of Anna Lara. B. Presentations/Reports: 1. None. PUBLIC HEARING(s): A. None OLD BUSINESS: A. SRO Agreement with RSUSD (Discussion/Action). Antony López, City Manager, stated there are ongoing conversations with the district for collaborations with the City. NEW BUSINESS: A. Consider Engaging Van Lant & Fankhanel, LLP for Financial Audit Services for Fiscal Year 2022–2023 through 2026-2027. (Resolution 2025-31). Griselda Price, Director of Administrative, presented report as submitted. Councilmember Verdugo inquired if the City actively looked for auditors outside of the aid from Price & Paige. Josh Giosa, Price Paige & Company Partner, added that this organization was the best recommendation for the City based on his evaluation after multiple RFQs submitted but no submissions, adding that the landscape for municipal auditors is getting smaller. He also added that the City has been diligent with providing financial data and there were problems with the previous auditor, but the new auditor should have the ‘22 and ‘23 audits completed before the end of the year. RESOLUTION 2025-31: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AVENAL APPROVING THE ENGAGEMENT OF VAN LANT & FANKHANEL, LLP FOR FINANCIAL AUDIT SERVICES FOR FISCAL YEARS 2022/2023 THROUGH 2026/2027. Council Member/Successor Agency Member Verdugo motioned to approve Resolution 2025-31 was seconded by Councilmember/Successor Agency Member Gamez and motion carried. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Verdugo, Gamez, Reynosa, Hernandez, Preciado. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. B. Consider Entering into Fire Services Agreement with Kings County Fire Department for an Additional Three (3) Years, FY 2025/26; 2026/27; & 2027/28. (Resolution 2025-32). Legal Counsel Zishan informed the Council that Kings County submitted a newly proposed agreement late the previous evening. He recommended tabling the item to allow the City Attorney’s Office and the public sufficient time to review the updated language. Legal Counsel also noted that the City Attorney’s Office is currently reviewing a property tax matter with Kings County. Kings County Supervisor Richard Valle expressed concerns about the conduct of the meeting, stating that Mayor Preciado should exercise greater control and not allow the City Attorney to dominate the discussion. Supervisor Valle also requested that Legal Counsel Zishan issue an apology to the public regarding his tone. He opposed tabling Item 9B, stating that the revised agreement included only minor changes. Audience member also voiced concerns regarding a potential Brown Act violation. Councilmember Verdugo supported tabling Item 9B to allow time for a thorough review of the revised agreement language, wanting to see stronger language to protect the City. Mayor Preciado and City Manager López announced that a Town Hall meeting is scheduled for June 19th at 6:30 PM at the Veterans Hall. City Council also came to the consensus to have City Manager López rescind the letter sent to Kings County asking to halt fire services after August 1st. Council Member/Successor Agency Member Verdugo motioned to Table Item B was seconded by Councilmember/Successor Agency Member Hernandez and motion carried. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES: Verdugo, Hernandez Gamez, Reynosa, Preciado. NOES: None. ABSENT: None. ABSTAIN: None. CORRESPONDENCE/ANNOUNCEMENTS/CLOSING COMMENTS: Any Council member may request an item be placed on a future agenda, provided that a simple majority also support adding said item. Discussion or action on any item not on the current agenda is strictly prohibited. Closing comments are intended for Council members to report attendance of any special events and pertinent information back to the public.  Upcoming/Future Agenda Items to Consider.  Correspondence/Announcements/Information/Closing Comments. Council Meeting went into Closed Session at 9:03pm. CLOSED SESSION: (City/Successor Agency): It is the intent of this governing body to meet in closed session to review its position and to instruct its designated representatives: Any person may directly address the Council/Agency at this time on items of interest regarding Closed Session. A. Conference with Labor Negotiator(s) (Government Code § 54957.6). It is the intent of this governing body to meet in Closed Session to review its position and to instruct its designated representatives:Designated representatives: APOA; Bargaining Units 1-5 B. Personnel (Government Code §54957(b)). Consider Public Employee Performance Evaluation for the Position of:  City Manager Council came out of Closed Session at 10:19pm with nothing to report and the meeting was adjourned by Mayor Preciado. ADJOURNMENT: 1. In compliance with the Americans with Disability Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office (559) 386-5766. Avenal Theater & Event Center, 233 East Kings Street Avenal, CA 93204. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the city to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting [28 CFR 35.02.35.1044 AA Title II]. 2. Materials related to an item on this Agenda submitted to the [Council/ Authority] after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection in the [City Clerks] office at 919 Skyline Blvd., Avenal, CA 93204 during normal business hours. I certify this Agenda of the City of Avenal City Council workshop is to be posted at the following locations: 1) City Council Chambers, Avenal Theater 233 E. Kings St.; 2) City Hall 919 Skyline Blvd.; 3) Avenal Lumber, 600 Skyline Blvd.; and 4) T&T Market, 801 Skyline Blvd. Avenal CA 93204 on, June 9, 2025. __ /s/ Karla Curiel Karla Curiel, Deputy City Clerk